Ask a woman what she longs for the most, and the answer is surely going to be a younger looking skin. No woman wants to face aging and lose the charm of younger skin. The very thought of wrinkled skin and grey hair sends shivers down the spine.
Though aging is a natural process that commences in mid-30s; some factors tend to speed up this process. There are chances for you to face aging even in your mid 20s. And the factors that can make you come face to face with aging at an early stage are stress, unhealthy lifestyle, use of processed and fast foods, caffeine, smoking, pollution, alcohol and lack of exercise. As aging process starts, the skin becomes saggy which happens due to lesser production of collagen.
Collagen plays a vital role in keeping the skin firm and maintaining its glow. As we age, the level of collagen goes down which results in loose and wrinkled skin.
Understanding Collagen
Collagen is made of amino acids, such as glycine, hydroxyproline, praline and arginine. It’s the primary protein found in animal connective tissue. Collagen aids in producing nearly 30% of proteins in the body. It’s found in body areas as bones, ligaments, tendons and skin.
How it helps the skin?
Collagen is a vital protein type that gives skin its elasticity, suppleness and youthful glow. As per studies conducted, there are around 29 types of collagen of which Type 1 collagen (made of amino collagen C and Hyaluronic acid) plays crucial role in skin supplements. It diminishes aging signs and gives strength and elasticity to skin.
If the body gets sufficient amount of collagen, aging can surely be kept at bay. Want to know how you can achieve that?
Well, all you need to do is eat the foods rich in collagen. So, let us introduce you to the foods that are naturally rich in collagen. If you already have them in your meal plan, make sure they aren’t skipped and if you don’t, it’s time to make a new meal chart. Have a look:
1. Cabbage: If you want a glowing skin, then your diet should be comprised of cabbage. It has abundant amount of collagen as well as antioxidants such as phytonutrients like lutenin, zeaxanthin, isothiocynates and sulforaphane. These enhance skin hydration and elasticity.
2. Soy Products: These include soy milk and cheese as they assist you get rid of wrinkles and fine lines. They consist of the natural plant hormone called genistelin, which improves collagen production and gives strength and elasticity to skin.
3. Citrus Fruit: Lemon and oranges fall under the category of citrus fruits and they have high amount of vitamin C in them. It’s an antioxidant vitamin, which averts skin damage owing to free radicals. Also, it increases production of collagen which apparently results in glowing skin.
4. Bean: They are the best source for getting a glowing and youthful skin. Beans are found to be rich in hyaluronic acid, which is extremely needed for reproducing collagen in skin cells and as well as for plumping up the skin by holding water. It results in smoother, tighter and sufficiently hydrated skin that shows no aging signs.
5. Olive: Whether green or black, olives happen to be rich in minerals which perk up the activities of different enzymes in body and stimulate collagen production.
6. Walnut: They are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which help in keeping cellular DNAs intact and collagen production is also increased efficiently.
7. Avocado Oil: It comes packed with antioxidant vitamin E as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent skin from damage and help the skin stay, moisturized and rejuvenated.
8. Flaxseed: As they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they improve collagen production in skin cells quite efficiently. They thus help in keeping the skin healthy and glowing.
9. Red Fruits and Vegetables: Red fruits such as apples, cherries, and red vegetables like beets, can help in the increased production of collagen.
10. Carrots: They contain good amount of Vitamin A, which aids in increasing collagen production and slows breakdown of collagen thus preventing aging.
If you are aiming at getting a glowing and beautiful skin, make sure that these foods are a part of your everyday diet.